Prescription Assistance Offered

The "Help Is Here Express" Bus, sponsored by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, made a stop in Meridian Wednesday.

Locals say they lined up in the parking lot of First Baptist Church to learn more about getting financial help with prescription drugs.

The PPA is helping Mississippians and others access information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or at a discounted rate.

"We've had a huge crowd since we pulled in today and the purpose is to get people, uninsured and financially struggling, the help they need," said Kaelan Hollon of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of America. "I think now more than ever, with the economy the way it is, people will need more help."

The bus goes from coast to coast. Officials say it started in April 2005, and since that time, the organization has helped over five million people nationwide, including about 100,000 Mississippians.

"Oh, very helpful, because I'm uninsured and unemployed, so it's great for people that need their medications but have no way of getting it," said Meridian resident, Lee Ann Martin.

This week the bus has made several stops in the state, from Jackson to Biloxi.

Meridian resident Pennie Williams Dickey says at one point she was paying about $500 a month for her prescriptions, but was able to get some help from the AARP and now she's looking for more help.

"If I can get some additional help to possibly reduce it to zero, that would be even better," Dickey said.

If you missed the bus, you may call the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 1-888-477-2669.

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